Race Report: Chris Horner took a solid GC lead into the critical time trial in Solvang, but the big question was – would it be enough against some big time chrono specialists? The evergreen RadioShack rider answered in the affirmative, as multi-time US National TT Champion, David Zabriskie, took the day.

Zabriskie faltered in the race’s uphill finish on Sierra Road, but he came good in a big way on Friday.

2. Levi Leipheimer

Leipheimer hoped to pull back as much time as possible on his teammate, Chris Horner, as well as give a big go for the day’s top spot. He succeeded in reeling in a few seconds on Horner, but couldn’t match Zabriskie’s stellar effort.

3. Tejay Van Garderen

Young gun, Tejay Van Garderen, put on an impressive display to show, once again, that he is a major name for the future, well, a name for now too.

4. Peter Velits

Last year’s Vuelta third place overall finisher, Peter Velits, finished fourth on the day.

5. Maarten Tjallingii

Notables…

Svein Tuft wasn’t at his best, but that Canadian National Champion jersey is unmissable.

If the Canadian jersey is unmissable, then Taylor Phinney’s entire ensemble was even more so. Unfortunately, the young Phinney wasn’t at his best either on Friday.

The Speedo boys were, however.

Last, But Not Least: Chris Horner.

He had a solid gap heading into the day, all he had to do was defend.

…which he did with aplomb.

1. Zabriskie, 2. Leipheimer, 3. Van Garderen.

…but Horner still rules supreme.

Pat McCarty in the mountains jersey, Peter Sagan in the points jersey, Chris Horner in the leader’s jersey, and Tejay Van Garderen in the best young rider jersey.